St Lucian Culinary Specialties

One of the factors attracting large crowds of tourists to the Caribbean every year – aside from the sun, surf, climate and laid-back atmosphere – is the food. With a uniquely tangy, spicy flavour – much in keeping with the warm personality of the locals – Caribbean food is a hit among western tourists, who make a point of sampling it when visiting any of the islands on the archipelago.

It would be erroneous, however, to think these specialties are interchangeable throughout all the islands in the Caribbean. It is important not to forget that each of these islands is a nation unto itself, and therefore graced with their own distinctive specialties. St Lucia, for example, has a unique culinary style, very different from those found in Jamaica or other islands in the archipelago – as guests staying in one of the location’s luxury resorts, such as Cap Maison, will soon find out.

Creole Cuisine

Much like the majority of the nation’s way of life, St Lucian cuisine is heavily influenced by the island’s Creole heritage. Traditional specialties enjoyed by the locals mix this prevailing influence with traces left by the British and French colonialists to create a unique culinary flavour, which has contributed to get the island ranked among the best in the Caribbean for food and drink by prestigious publishing group Conde Nast.

Guests staying at resorts such as Cap Maison have the choice of sampling these appetising dishes in a more gourmet package – at one of the on site restaurants – or head out onto the streets to get a first-hand taste of the authentic, local versions. Unsurprisingly, while the former is undeniably attractive as a proposition, it is the latter which ends up enticing most tourists on holiday in St Lucia.

Eating What Nature Provides

Also unsurprisingly, most of the national specialties guests of Cap Maison and other resorts can taste during their forays into town are centred around ingredients easily found on the island itself. Fish and seafood dishes, for example, play a predictably large role in St Lucian gastronomy, as do fruits and vegetables, which the locals very often farm or plant themselves.

The official national dish is saltfish and green figs, often accompanied with fried banana. Other delicacies tourists may taste whilst staying at the island include accra – a cod fritter – crab and conch and, through British colonial influences, curry. An array of local vegetables and fish, as well as traditional British and French dishes, complete the St Lucian menu, making sure those less adventurous visitors do not go hungry during their holiday.

Local Beverages

Aside from its colourful and tasty dishes, the island is also known for its refreshing drinks. Coconut water, drunk straight from the husk, is a local favourite and, of course, Caribbean rum is legendary. Coffee liqueurs and sodas are also much appreciated, providing something for all tastes.

Guests staying at resorts such as Cap Maison should strive to sample as many of these traditional delicacies as possible when spending a holiday in St Lucia, to round out a truly authentic experience.

Helen C. Edwards works for the Essential Hotel Collection. If you’re looking for superb accommodation, like the world famous Cap Maison, St Lucia, we offer a handpicked portfolio of privately owned hotels. We have an intimate knowledge of every property and can provide the perfect accommodation to make your island dreams a reality.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.